Lighthouse Story
@lighthousestory.bsky.social
Craft-driven, bespoke education and support for screenwriters, filmmakers and storytellers. Newsletter @ http://bit.ly/lighthousemini
⏳ Exactly 2 weeks left to join the Draft Accelerator!
Secure your spot in this exclusive 8-week screenwriting cohort.
Get your draft DONE.
Don't miss out ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Secure your spot in this exclusive 8-week screenwriting cohort.
Get your draft DONE.
Don't miss out ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Draft Accelerator — Lighthouse
An 8-week online cohort of like-minded peers and expert strategies empowers
you to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft,
fostering creativity and alleviating the common pains of indecision and
isolation.
bit.ly
February 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM
⏳ Exactly 2 weeks left to join the Draft Accelerator!
Secure your spot in this exclusive 8-week screenwriting cohort.
Get your draft DONE.
Don't miss out ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Secure your spot in this exclusive 8-week screenwriting cohort.
Get your draft DONE.
Don't miss out ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
What does your perfect writing day look like?
February 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
What does your perfect writing day look like?
Perspective gives stories meaning beyond the plot mechanics.
As You Like It and Twelfth Night both center around female characters crossdressing as male.
But in one story it’s liberating and the other it’s constricting.
Perspective.
As You Like It and Twelfth Night both center around female characters crossdressing as male.
But in one story it’s liberating and the other it’s constricting.
Perspective.
January 31, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Perspective gives stories meaning beyond the plot mechanics.
As You Like It and Twelfth Night both center around female characters crossdressing as male.
But in one story it’s liberating and the other it’s constricting.
Perspective.
As You Like It and Twelfth Night both center around female characters crossdressing as male.
But in one story it’s liberating and the other it’s constricting.
Perspective.
Don't forget that you're screenwriting.
Writing for the screen.
Lead with images.
Here's how:
1/14
Writing for the screen.
Lead with images.
Here's how:
1/14
January 29, 2024 at 4:01 PM
Don't forget that you're screenwriting.
Writing for the screen.
Lead with images.
Here's how:
1/14
Writing for the screen.
Lead with images.
Here's how:
1/14
As you're receiving notes on your work, the more you can refine and articulate the problem that's occurring in your readers, the closer you are to solving it.
Specific = Actionable
1/3
Specific = Actionable
1/3
January 27, 2024 at 4:00 PM
As you're receiving notes on your work, the more you can refine and articulate the problem that's occurring in your readers, the closer you are to solving it.
Specific = Actionable
1/3
Specific = Actionable
1/3
Every screenwriter's process is unique.
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Draft Accelerator — Lighthouse
An 8-week online cohort of like-minded peers and expert strategies empowers
you to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft,
fostering creativity and alleviating the common pains of indecision and
isolation.
bit.ly
January 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Every screenwriter's process is unique.
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Every screenwriter's journey is unique.
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Draft Accelerator — Lighthouse
An 8-week online cohort of like-minded peers and expert strategies empowers
you to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft,
fostering creativity and alleviating the common pains of indecision and
isolation.
bit.ly
January 25, 2024 at 8:17 PM
Every screenwriter's journey is unique.
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
That's why Draft Accelerator offers personalized support to nurture your distinct voice and perspective.
Join a cohort that understands and elevates your script.
Details here: bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Every noun in your script is an opportunity to be specific with story and theme.
revolver > gun
soggy eggs > breakfast
la-z-boy > recliner > chair
Jimbo's Bao House > southern/chinese fusion joint > restaurant
revolver > gun
soggy eggs > breakfast
la-z-boy > recliner > chair
Jimbo's Bao House > southern/chinese fusion joint > restaurant
January 25, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Every noun in your script is an opportunity to be specific with story and theme.
revolver > gun
soggy eggs > breakfast
la-z-boy > recliner > chair
Jimbo's Bao House > southern/chinese fusion joint > restaurant
revolver > gun
soggy eggs > breakfast
la-z-boy > recliner > chair
Jimbo's Bao House > southern/chinese fusion joint > restaurant
Want to elevate your screenwriting?
Learn to love dilemmas.
Here's what I mean:
1/22
Learn to love dilemmas.
Here's what I mean:
1/22
January 23, 2024 at 4:03 PM
Want to elevate your screenwriting?
Learn to love dilemmas.
Here's what I mean:
1/22
Learn to love dilemmas.
Here's what I mean:
1/22
If you’re feeling insecure about your writing (or anything) the best way to deal with it is...
...by getting on with it anyway.
Insecurity thrives on inaction.
Don't let it.
...by getting on with it anyway.
Insecurity thrives on inaction.
Don't let it.
January 22, 2024 at 4:00 PM
If you’re feeling insecure about your writing (or anything) the best way to deal with it is...
...by getting on with it anyway.
Insecurity thrives on inaction.
Don't let it.
...by getting on with it anyway.
Insecurity thrives on inaction.
Don't let it.
Next Upcoming Workshop: DRAFT ACCELERATOR
An 8-week journey to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft.
Limited to a small, supportive group of 6. Just 4 spots left! Don't just draft, finish.
Learn more ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
An 8-week journey to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft.
Limited to a small, supportive group of 6. Just 4 spots left! Don't just draft, finish.
Learn more ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
Draft Accelerator — Lighthouse
An 8-week online cohort of like-minded peers and expert strategies empowers
you to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft,
fostering creativity and alleviating the common pains of indecision and
isolation.
bit.ly
January 21, 2024 at 8:17 PM
Next Upcoming Workshop: DRAFT ACCELERATOR
An 8-week journey to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft.
Limited to a small, supportive group of 6. Just 4 spots left! Don't just draft, finish.
Learn more ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
An 8-week journey to transform your screenplay ideas into a complete first draft.
Limited to a small, supportive group of 6. Just 4 spots left! Don't just draft, finish.
Learn more ➡ bit.ly/draftaccelerator
How do you define a "perfect" film?
(Definitions AND examples are welcome!)
(Definitions AND examples are welcome!)
January 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM
How do you define a "perfect" film?
(Definitions AND examples are welcome!)
(Definitions AND examples are welcome!)
Screenwriters!
In moderation, it’s okay to use the present participle aka “-ing” verbs.
It can reveal an action that was already happening before a character (or reader) sees it.
Example:
She whips around. He’s holding a gun.
In moderation, it’s okay to use the present participle aka “-ing” verbs.
It can reveal an action that was already happening before a character (or reader) sees it.
Example:
She whips around. He’s holding a gun.
January 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Screenwriters!
In moderation, it’s okay to use the present participle aka “-ing” verbs.
It can reveal an action that was already happening before a character (or reader) sees it.
Example:
She whips around. He’s holding a gun.
In moderation, it’s okay to use the present participle aka “-ing” verbs.
It can reveal an action that was already happening before a character (or reader) sees it.
Example:
She whips around. He’s holding a gun.
On subtitled foreign languages:
If a line is in a language foreign to what the script is in, and it's subtitled, write the line in the script's language and say (subtitled).
If it's not subtitled, write it in the foreign language.
If a line is in a language foreign to what the script is in, and it's subtitled, write the line in the script's language and say (subtitled).
If it's not subtitled, write it in the foreign language.
January 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM
On subtitled foreign languages:
If a line is in a language foreign to what the script is in, and it's subtitled, write the line in the script's language and say (subtitled).
If it's not subtitled, write it in the foreign language.
If a line is in a language foreign to what the script is in, and it's subtitled, write the line in the script's language and say (subtitled).
If it's not subtitled, write it in the foreign language.
When sending a script out for a read here's a useful phrase:
"If I haven't heard from you by X weeks, do you mind if I gently follow-up?"
Most say "sure" and others throw out a different number for X, but it helps manage expectations on both ends.
"If I haven't heard from you by X weeks, do you mind if I gently follow-up?"
Most say "sure" and others throw out a different number for X, but it helps manage expectations on both ends.
January 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM
When sending a script out for a read here's a useful phrase:
"If I haven't heard from you by X weeks, do you mind if I gently follow-up?"
Most say "sure" and others throw out a different number for X, but it helps manage expectations on both ends.
"If I haven't heard from you by X weeks, do you mind if I gently follow-up?"
Most say "sure" and others throw out a different number for X, but it helps manage expectations on both ends.
Writing horror?
Pay attention to the space in which things are happening.
Location is a huge determinant of comfort.
Think of you feel in your home vs at a friend's home vs at a stranger's home.
What space is the horror taking place in?
Pay attention to the space in which things are happening.
Location is a huge determinant of comfort.
Think of you feel in your home vs at a friend's home vs at a stranger's home.
What space is the horror taking place in?
January 12, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Writing horror?
Pay attention to the space in which things are happening.
Location is a huge determinant of comfort.
Think of you feel in your home vs at a friend's home vs at a stranger's home.
What space is the horror taking place in?
Pay attention to the space in which things are happening.
Location is a huge determinant of comfort.
Think of you feel in your home vs at a friend's home vs at a stranger's home.
What space is the horror taking place in?
Taking meetings on your artistic work?
Vulnerability is a good thing.
Don't be out of control, but owning your emotions and connecting them to your work helps people understand your artistic insight.
Vulnerability is a good thing.
Don't be out of control, but owning your emotions and connecting them to your work helps people understand your artistic insight.
January 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Taking meetings on your artistic work?
Vulnerability is a good thing.
Don't be out of control, but owning your emotions and connecting them to your work helps people understand your artistic insight.
Vulnerability is a good thing.
Don't be out of control, but owning your emotions and connecting them to your work helps people understand your artistic insight.
My go to for scene description is two specific details, and a crystallizing phrase.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Stained couch cushions. Days old pizza boxes. A slob's heaven.
1/3
INT. LIVING ROOM
Stained couch cushions. Days old pizza boxes. A slob's heaven.
1/3
January 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM
My go to for scene description is two specific details, and a crystallizing phrase.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Stained couch cushions. Days old pizza boxes. A slob's heaven.
1/3
INT. LIVING ROOM
Stained couch cushions. Days old pizza boxes. A slob's heaven.
1/3
Trying to outwit your audience with your ending?
Don't overthink it.
In the prologue, we're told Romeo & Juliet both die. It shifts the focus to the how, rather than the what.
Steal from the best.
Don't overthink it.
In the prologue, we're told Romeo & Juliet both die. It shifts the focus to the how, rather than the what.
Steal from the best.
January 6, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Trying to outwit your audience with your ending?
Don't overthink it.
In the prologue, we're told Romeo & Juliet both die. It shifts the focus to the how, rather than the what.
Steal from the best.
Don't overthink it.
In the prologue, we're told Romeo & Juliet both die. It shifts the focus to the how, rather than the what.
Steal from the best.
Regarding exposition, sometimes having your character negate assumptions can help hide it.
Here's how:
1/5
Here's how:
1/5
January 4, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Regarding exposition, sometimes having your character negate assumptions can help hide it.
Here's how:
1/5
Here's how:
1/5
Are screenplays blueprints for production?
Yes.
But they're also more than that.
Prospective homeowners don't look at blueprints.
They go to open houses.
Yes.
But they're also more than that.
Prospective homeowners don't look at blueprints.
They go to open houses.
January 2, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Are screenplays blueprints for production?
Yes.
But they're also more than that.
Prospective homeowners don't look at blueprints.
They go to open houses.
Yes.
But they're also more than that.
Prospective homeowners don't look at blueprints.
They go to open houses.
A while ago, I asked a bunch of writers about their favorite aspects of their home office setup.
Here are my 7 favorite:
Here are my 7 favorite:
December 29, 2023 at 7:55 PM
A while ago, I asked a bunch of writers about their favorite aspects of their home office setup.
Here are my 7 favorite:
Here are my 7 favorite:
Good feedback builds up the script. It doesn't tear down the writer.
December 29, 2023 at 7:02 PM
Good feedback builds up the script. It doesn't tear down the writer.
Reactions are symptoms.
Critiques are diagnosis.
Pitches are treatments.
Good notes encompass all three.
Critiques are diagnosis.
Pitches are treatments.
Good notes encompass all three.
December 27, 2023 at 6:29 PM
Reactions are symptoms.
Critiques are diagnosis.
Pitches are treatments.
Good notes encompass all three.
Critiques are diagnosis.
Pitches are treatments.
Good notes encompass all three.
Getting a little lost in the details of your scene?
Here's a mini-thread that might help:
1/10
Here's a mini-thread that might help:
1/10
December 26, 2023 at 6:09 PM
Getting a little lost in the details of your scene?
Here's a mini-thread that might help:
1/10
Here's a mini-thread that might help:
1/10